Shapinsay Travel Guide

Trek Zone

Island

Facts and practical information

With its rugged coastline, picturesque landscapes, and rich history, Shapinsay is a hidden gem in the Scotland region of the United Kingdom. This enchanting island offers a unique blend of tranquility and adventure, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.

One of the main attractions on Shapinsay is Balfour Castle, an impressive 19th-century mansion that stands proudly on a hilltop overlooking the island. This stunning castle is surrounded by beautifully manicured gardens, offering visitors a glimpse into the opulence of a bygone era. Explore the castle's grand interiors, adorned with exquisite artwork and antique furniture, and learn about its fascinating history.

For those seeking outdoor adventures, Shapinsay has plenty to offer. The island is dotted with scenic walking trails that wind through lush meadows, ancient woodlands, and coastal cliffs. Take a leisurely stroll along the coastline and soak in the breathtaking views of the North Sea, or embark on a more challenging hike to the top of Ward Hill, the highest point on the island, for panoramic vistas.

As you explore the island, don't miss the opportunity to visit Shapinsay Heritage Centre. Housed in a former school building, this charming museum showcases the island's rich cultural heritage through a collection of artifacts, photographs, and interactive exhibits. Learn about the island's fishing traditions, agricultural practices, and the lives of its past inhabitants.

Shapinsay is also home to a variety of wildlife, making it a paradise for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. Spot rare seabirds nesting along the cliffs, or take a boat tour to catch a glimpse of seals, dolphins, and even whales swimming in the surrounding waters.

After a day of exploration, indulge in the island's culinary delights. Shapinsay is known for its fresh seafood, and you can savor mouthwatering dishes made with locally caught lobster, crab, and scallops. Pair your meal with a glass of fine Scotch whisky, produced in nearby distilleries.

Alternative names: Area: 11.38 mi²Elevation: 112 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 59°2'12"N, 2°51'55"W

Location

ScotlandUnited Kingdom

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Shapinsay Top Attractions

Shapinsay Attractions - What to See and Explore

Shapinsay offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Balfour Castle, Vasa Loch, Burroughston Broch, Mor Stein. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Forts and castles • Gothic Revival architecture
Balfour Castle
Balfour Castle is a historic building on the southwest of Shapinsay, Orkney Islands. Though built around an older structure that dates at least from the 18th century, the present castle was built in 1847, commissioned by Colonel David Balfour, and designed by Edinburgh architect David Bryce.
Nature • Natural attraction • Lake
Vasa Loch
Vasa Loch is a brackish lagoon in southwestern Shapinsay, Orkney Islands. This water body has been shown on early maps of the island in a very similar shape and size to its current geometry, separated from the North Sea by a narrow strip of raised beach.
Archaeological site
Burroughston Broch
Burroughston Broch is an Iron Age broch located on the island of Shapinsay in the Orkney Islands, in Scotland. The site overlooks the North Sea on the northeast part of Shapinsay.

Archaeological site
Mor Stein
Mor Stein is a neolithic standing stone in the southeastern part of the island of Shapinsay, Orkney Islands, Scotland. Shapinsay is one of the two large inner islands of the Orkney group, and it is situated approximately two miles north of the Orkney Mainland.
Archaeological site
Castle Bloody
Castle Bloody is a prehistoric feature on the island of Shapinsay, Orkney, Scotland. Hogan observes that while the feature is marked as a chambered mound on the UK Ordnance Survey map, the structure is more properly and specifically classified as a souterrain or earth house.
Archaeological site
Quholm
Quholm is a hamlet in the northeast of Shapinsay, in the islands of Orkney, Scotland. William Irving, the father of Washington Irving, noted American author, was born in Quholm. Innsker Beach is situated very close by at the northwest edge of Quholm.
Archaeological site
Linton Chapel
Linton Chapel is a ruined chapel on the east coast of Shapinsay, Orkney. The chapel is thought to date as early as the 12th century AD. Slightly to the south is a megalithic monument, Castle Bloody.
59°3'23"N • 2°51'55"W
The Ouse
The Ouse is a tidal estuary in northern Shapinsay, Orkney Islands. This water body has been shown on early maps of the island in a very similar shape to its current geometry.

Day trips

Shapinsay – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Shapinsay, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Skara Brae (Stromness), Ring of Brodgar (Stenness), Yesnaby (Hoy and West Mainland National Scenic Area).

17 milesW
Europe's most complete neolithic village
Skara Brae, Stromness
Nestled on the windswept shores of Sandwick in Orkney, Scotland, lies Skara Brae, one of the most remarkable prehistoric sites in Europe. This Neolithic settlement, which dates back to approximately 3180 BCE, provides a unique window into the lives of our ancestors...
13 milesW
Neolithic stone circle and circular ditch
Ring of Brodgar, Stenness
Nestled in the heart of the Neolithic landscape of Orkney, Scotland, the Ring of Brodgar is a prehistoric marvel that continues to captivate visitors from around the world. This ancient stone circle, located near the town of Stenness, is a monumental testament to the...
17 milesW
Protected area
Yesnaby, Hoy and West Mainland National Scenic Area
Yesnaby is an area in Sandwick, on the west coast of Orkney Mainland, Scotland, south of Skara Brae. It is renowned for its spectacular Old Red Sandstone coastal cliff scenery which includes sea stacks, blowholes, geos and frequently boiling seas.
13 milesW
Prehistoric monument in a wild landscape
Stones of Stenness, Stenness
The Standing Stones of Stenness is a Neolithic monument five miles northeast of Stromness on the mainland of Orkney, Scotland. This may be the oldest henge site in the British Isles.
10 milesS
Unique Catholic chapel built by POWs
Italian Chapel, Lamb Holm
The Italian Chapel is a highly ornate Catholic chapel on Lamb Holm in the Orkney Islands. It was built during World War II by Italian prisoners of war, who were housed on the previously uninhabited island while they constructed the Churchill Barriers to the east of Scapa Flow.